Detroit gun violence falls 45% under ShotStoppers program

A University of Michigan analysis indicates that Detroit has seen a 45% decrease in homicides and nonfatal shootings over a three-year period following the implementation of the ShotStoppers program.

ShotStoppers is a community violence intervention (CVI) initiative that operates independently of law enforcement. The program provides funding to selected community-based organizations, which receive approximately $175,000 per quarter as base funding to develop intervention plans for specific high-risk zones. Some organizations may also qualify for performance-based bonuses of $175,000 if they reduce violence at a rate exceeding the city average.

Data shows that within designated CVI zones, killings dropped by 33% during the program's second year, and nonfatal shooting victims decreased by 38% between August 2024 and July 2025. In comparison, other areas of the city saw reductions of 12% in homicides and 26% in nonfatal shootings during the same period. The initiative has been supported by $11 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds.